Trump supports Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative despite concerns
President Trump endorsed Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) initiative, sparking bipartisan criticism and legal challenges over transparency concerns.
The program has targeted multiple agencies for restructuring, raising constitutional overreach allegations and conflict-of-interest fears.
Meanwhile, Trump revealed expansion plans during a Fox News interview preceding Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Specifically, he told journalist Bret Baier that Doge would soon audit military budgets and the Education Department.
“We’ll eliminate inefficiencies everywhere—expect major announcements within 24 hours,” Trump declared, praising Musk’s disruptive approach to governance.
Legal experts warn the unchecked initiative risks violating federal statutes, while lawmakers demand congressional oversight hearings to address executive power concerns.
Democrats Sound Alarm Over USAID Closure
One of Doge’s most contentious proposals is the closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), an organization critical to American foreign aid and development efforts. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have accused Musk of standing to personally benefit from the move. Senator Chris Murphy labeled the administration’s actions “the most serious constitutional crisis since the Watergate scandal.”
Murphy’s concerns were echoed by other Democrats, who argue that shutting down USAID undermines U.S. soft power abroad while raising questions about Musk’s motivations. “This is not about efficiency; it’s about consolidating power and serving private interests,” Murphy said in a statement.
Legal Battles Intensify
The Trump administration faces mounting legal challenges to its sweeping reforms.
On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer issued an injunction barring Doge from accessing personal financial data held by the Treasury Department.
The judge also ordered Musk’s team to destroy any records already obtained. The ruling represents a significant setback for DOGE, which has faced criticism for operating without clear oversight or accountability.
Vice President JD Vance denounced the ruling, calling it an overreach by the judiciary.
“Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power,” Vance wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Alina Habba, a senior Trump aide, warned of “repercussions” for those opposing the administration’s agenda.
DOGE’s Expanding Footprint
Since Trump took office, Doge employees have reportedly entered multiple federal departments, including USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The CFPB, established in the wake of the 2007-2008 financial crisis to protect consumers, has seen its Washington staff instructed to work remotely for at least a week.
The move has fueled speculation that Doge is preparing significant changes at the agency.
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The administration has remained tight-lipped about Doge’s operations, including its funding and staffing levels.
Transparency advocates have criticized this lack of disclosure, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for governance.
Controversial Proposals and International Fallout
In addition to domestic reforms, Trump used the Fox News interview to reiterate his dissatisfaction with Canada and Mexico over their handling of drug trafficking and border security.
He also revived his proposal to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state, a suggestion that has been met with widespread opposition from Canadians and international observers alike.
Meanwhile, courts have temporarily blocked other high-profile Trump initiatives, including an order to end birthright citizenship and plans to place thousands of USAID employees on leave.
A large-scale buyout offer for federal workers has also been paused amid ongoing litigation.
Partisan Divide Deepens
With Republicans controlling both the White House and Congress, Democrats have limited options to counter the administration’s agenda outside of legal challenges.
However, they have intensified their criticism of both Musk and Trump.
“This is about more than just one agency or one billionaire,” Senator Murphy said.
“It’s about whether we allow our government to be dismantled in service of private interests.”
Republicans, for their part, have largely rallied behind Trump and Musk.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed support for DOGE’s review of military spending, stating he “welcomes” efforts to identify inefficiencies in defense budgets.
Uncertain Path Forward
As legal battles continue and partisan tensions escalate, the future of Doge and its initiatives remains uncertain.
Critics warn that the administration’s actions risk undermining public trust in government institutions, while supporters argue that bold steps are necessary to address inefficiencies and reduce federal spending.
For now, all eyes will be on the courts and Congress as both sides prepare for what could be a prolonged fight over the scope and limits of executive power.
